Cracks appear in ship stranded off New Zealand

12/10/11 12:54 CET

world news

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A stricken container ship stranded off the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island is at risk of breaking up after cracks appeared in its hull.

The Liberian-flagged Rena ran aground 12 nautical miles from the popular holiday resort of Taraunga a week ago.

The ship’s captain, a Philippine national, has been charged with “operating a vessel in a manner causing unnecessary danger or risk.”

Rough seas and poor weather have prevented salvage crews from boarding the Rena to pump her remaining oil out.

Forecasters say conditions will ease by Thursday, enabling officials to step up the clean-up operation.

More about: Ecological crisis, New Zealand, Oil spill, Pollution

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Mali: Rebel groups agree to creation of Islamic state

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